Orlando Harmon
Vision insurance is a low-cost way to lower eye care costs, especially for those who require prescription eyewear. VSP Vision Insurance is a popular vision insurance provider with plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. While some people find VSP's coverage beneficial, others believe that the savings are negligible, especially if one's eye prescription remains stable over time. This article will explore the features and limitations of VSP Vision Insurance to help readers decide if it is worth the investment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $28.50/month for two people ($342/year) |
| Eye Exam Cost | $30 instead of $100+ |
| Contact Lens Allowance | $140/year, per person |
| Contact Lens Cost | $460/year, for two people |
| Online Cost | $108/year, for two people |
| Out-of-Network Reimbursement | Up to $110/person |
| Membership Fee | $1.50/month |
| Frame Allowance | $150 or $230 with EasyOptions |
| Standard Lenses | Single-vision, bifocal, and trifocal lenses covered |
| Progressive Lenses | Covered with EasyOptions |
| Warranty | One-year warranty at VSP Premier Edge locations |
| Extra Spending | $40 to spend on select frame brands |
| Savings | Average annual member savings of $350+ |
| Coverage | Eye exam, glasses, and contacts |
| Customer Experience | Positive and negative reviews |
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What You'll Learn
Cost savings
The cost savings of VSP vision insurance can be beneficial for some, but the level of benefit depends on individual circumstances. For example, some people may only need a vision exam infrequently, or they may be able to get cheaper contacts elsewhere.
VSP offers a range of plans, including a fully covered eye exam after a copay and $150 to spend on any frame. There is also an option for a higher frame allowance of $230. The basic plan covers single-vision, bifocal, and trifocal lenses, with an option to upgrade to progressive lenses.
Some of the additional benefits of VSP include a free one-year warranty on frames purchased at a VSP Premier Edge location, an extra $40 to spend on select frame brands, and access to exclusive discount programs on everyday goods and services for $1.50/month.
The average annual savings for VSP members is $350 or more. This figure includes contacts pricing, which covers evaluation and fitting, as well as an annual supply of popular monthly contact lens brands.
For some, VSP has been a great cost-saving option. One customer reported that their appointment, which included designer frames, progressive lenses, anti-glare coating, and an upgrade to lighter-weight lenses, cost $258 with VSP, whereas the same appointment the previous year had cost $560 without VSP. Another customer stated that VSP helped their family get the frames and lenses they wanted, and that VSP provided good value and great service.
However, others have found that VSP did not provide significant savings. One customer calculated that the cost of contacts through VSP's partner Eyeconic was much higher than purchasing the same contacts online without insurance. Additionally, this customer found that online vision exams for renewing prescriptions were cheaper than in-person exams covered by VSP.
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Online alternatives
While VSP Vision Insurance has received mixed reviews, with some people finding it beneficial and cost-effective, others have sought online alternatives. Here are some online alternatives to VSP Vision Insurance:
- XP Health: XP Health is a digital-first vision care platform that offers online eye exams and a marketplace for eyewear. They use AI to personalize the glasses-buying experience, making vision care more accessible and affordable. XP Health primarily caters to employers and their employees for vision care solutions.
- EyeMed: EyeMed provides vision insurance benefits and covers eye exams, offers discounts on eyewear, and provides savings on LASIK procedures. They serve members, employers, brokers, and providers in the vision care industry.
- Davis Vision: Davis Vision offers a network of eye care professionals and eyewear plans for individuals and families, including those without employer-sponsored coverage.
- Online retailers: Some people opt for online vision exams and then purchase contacts or glasses from online retailers like 1800contacts, Contact Lens King, Zenni, or eyebuydirect. These online options can often provide significant cost savings, especially for those with stable prescriptions.
- Other online options: There are also other online apps and retailers that accept VSP insurance, such as Eyeconic and Costco, although some users have found the prices on Eyeconic to be higher than expected.
These online alternatives to VSP Vision Insurance offer various options for individuals seeking vision care plans, with a focus on affordability, accessibility, and convenience.
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Contact lens costs
VSP offers savings or a low copay on your contact lens eye exam, which ensures your contacts fit both eyes properly and are not causing any irritation or harm to your eyes. After your exam, you can purchase new contact lenses every 12 months.
The cost of contact lenses themselves is where VSP insurance can offer significant value. Depending on your plan and any upgrade options selected, you may receive a $150 allowance for contact lenses and your contact lens exam. It's important to note that non-elective, medically necessary contact lenses prescribed by your optometrist are not covered by a VSP Individual Vision Plan.
To maximize your savings, it's recommended to use your VSP insurance plan coverage to get glasses first and then apply the discount on your contact fitting and evaluation. After the first year, you can use the plan allowance in the following year to get contacts and then update your glasses the next year.
While VSP insurance can help with contact lens costs, it's important to be mindful of plan limitations. Traditionally, you can only use your benefits for either contacts or glasses, not both. Therefore, if you plan to get both in the same year, you may need to pay out of pocket for one of them.
In summary, VSP eye insurance can help with contact lens costs by offering savings on eye exams and providing allowances for contact lenses. However, it's important to carefully consider your plan's specifics and limitations to ensure you maximize your benefits and plan effectively.
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Eye exam frequency
The importance of eye exam frequency is highlighted by VSP members who appreciate the low premium payments, enabling them to afford proper eye care. This is particularly beneficial for those with vision issues, ensuring they can adequately cover their eye health. VSP's coverage of annual eye exams makes it a valuable option for individuals who require regular eye care.
Additionally, VSP provides a range of coverage options, including plans that offer fully covered eye exams and allowances for contact lenses or glasses. For example, some plans provide a $140 allowance for contact lenses per person annually, while others offer a fully covered eye exam and $150 towards any frame. The availability of different plans allows individuals to choose the frequency of eye exams that best suits their needs and budget.
However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find the frequency of eye exams covered by VSP insufficient. For example, those with stable vision may opt for online vision exams to renew their prescriptions, which are not covered by VSP. In such cases, the value of VSP's insurance decreases as individuals may feel they are not fully utilizing the benefits offered.
Ultimately, the decision to prioritize eye exam frequency and opt for VSP insurance depends on individual needs and preferences. While VSP promotes regular eye exams through its coverage options, the value of the insurance is influenced by factors such as vision stability, personal health, and the cost-effectiveness of alternative solutions.
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Plan limitations
While VSP vision insurance can be a great way to lower the cost of eye care, there are some plan limitations to be aware of. Firstly, VSP members typically need to pay a monthly premium, which can start from as low as $13 per month, but can also be as high as $28.50 per month, depending on the specific plan. In addition to this, there may be a copay required for eye exams, which is usually around $15.
One limitation that some users have noted is that VSP only covers in-network providers, and their partner Eyeconic has been described as having "insane prices". This can make it difficult to find affordable options, especially for contact lenses. VSP does offer out-of-network reimbursements for contacts, but this information is not readily disclosed and can be challenging to navigate.
The savings offered by VSP may also be limited if your eye prescription remains stable, as some users have mentioned that they were able to use online vision exams to renew their prescriptions for a lower cost, which is not covered by VSP. Additionally, the plans may be more suitable for those who require glasses or contacts, as there may not be significant savings for those who only need eye exams.
While VSP offers a broad network of eye care professionals, it is important to confirm that your preferred eye care provider is in-network to maximise your coverage and benefits. VSP also offers family plans, which can provide coverage for spouses and dependents, but the savings and benefits may vary depending on the specific plan chosen.
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Frequently asked questions
No, vision insurance is not worth it for people who don't need regular eye exams or wear glasses/contacts.
It depends. VSP eye insurance can help cut down the costs of eye exams, glasses, and contacts. However, some people have found that the insurance did not cover their costs or that they could get better deals without insurance.
You'll need to calculate whether the insurance will save you money in the long run. Consider how often you get eye exams, whether you wear glasses/contacts, and how much VSP insurance will cover.
